Amtrak book trip

By Sarah Amandolare The New York Times Thu., Feb. 21, 2019 The first challenge you face on arriving somewhere new is usually how to get around, but the right technology can make it easier. There are tools suited to specific destinations, or to modes of transport, whether you want to hail a ride in Tel Aviv, explore Paris by scooter or catch a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Here are some free transportation apps, beyond the usual Google Maps and Google Translate, to consider downloading before your next trip. A smarter way to get around Sometimes walking is faster than taking the bus, or the most direct route includes a tram and a bike ride. Citymapper helps you figure all that out, and it works in 39 cities around the world, including Tokyo, Copenhagen and Sydney. Plug in your starting and ending points, and get a list of possible routes organized by mode of transport. The app also displays trip duration and any applicable prices (like estimated cab or subway … [Read more...] about Apps and services to help you get around on your next trip

By Laura Lippman The New York Times Mon., Nov. 12, 2018 On the shortest day of 2017, a day with less than eight hours of daylight available in my corner of the Northern Hemisphere, I squandered any opportunity I had to soak up some vitamin D, choosing instead to sit in planes and airports. I was a woman on a mission. An inane, pathetic mission, but a mission nonetheless. Three weeks earlier, I had decided to fly from Baltimore to Providence, Rhode Island, have lunch with a friend, then return home in time for dinner. Projected time on planes: two hours, 30 minutes. Projected time in airports: three hours. Projected time in cabs to and from airports: 70 minutes. Estimated time in Providence, not counting airport or taxi: two hours, 20 minutes. And that was if nothing went wrong — a big “if” four days before Christmas. No, I was not delivering an organ for transplant, although that should have been my cover story. I was on a quest to earn 297 TQPs … [Read more...] about A scramble, but worth it for the rewards points

caption The bullet trains throughout Asia are light-years better than anything in the US. source Shutterstock On a recent trip through Asia and Europe, I had the opportunity to ride bullet trains in China, Korea, and Russia. Last year, on a trip to Tokyo to launch Business Insider Japan, I rode a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka. China’s bullet trains stood out for their speed and the extensiveness of their network; Japan’s trains were notable for their cleanliness and comfort; Korea’s trains were easy to navigate and had great Wi-Fi, and Russia’s trains had the best food options. While China and Japan’s bullet train systems were exceptional and Russia’s Sapsan felt luxurious, I think China currently has the edge – here’s why. As Business Insider’s International Correspondent, I have spent a lot of time over the last four months on any number of trains, planes, and metros. But my favorite thing to … [Read more...] about I rode super-fast bullet trains in China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, and one is better than the rest

Follow our CNA LIFESTYLE page on Facebook for more travel stories and videosNEW YORK: A few minutes after we sank into our seats, the train whistled out of the station and the conductor made his way down the aisle. It was just like any other trek between Penn Station and Union Station, except for one thing.The conductor looked down at our printed ticket and mentally checked off my wife and me before pausing and giving a friendly but perplexed look. “Rufus and Hamilton,” he read off the sheet. “You’ve got four?”At our feet were Rufus and Hamilton, our two black pug dogs. They were nestled into their sherpa-lined travel bags, quietly being lulled to sleep by the rhythms of the train as we headed from New York to Washington.TRAVELLING WITH FAMILYWhen we travel, the pugs come along whenever possible because, to us, they are family. We learned long ago that travelling with dogs always makes our adventures more fun, even if it is a bit of a … [Read more...] about Why it’s great to travel with your dog

By Steve Eder The New York Times Tues., June 26, 2018 A few minutes after we sank into our seats, the train whistled out of the station and the conductor made his way down the aisle. It was just like any other trek between Penn Station and Union Station, except for one thing. The conductor looked down at our printed ticket and mentally checked off my wife and me before pausing and giving a friendly but perplexed look. “Rufus and Hamilton,” he read off the sheet. “You’ve got four?” At our feet were Rufus and Hamilton, our two black pug dogs. They were nestled into their Sherpa-lined travel bags, quietly being lulled to sleep by the rhythms of the train as we headed from New York to Washington. When we travel, the pugs come along whenever possible because, to us, they are family. We learned long ago that travelling with dogs always makes our adventures more fun, even if it is a bit of a hassle. And it turns out we are hardly alone: Many … [Read more...] about Why Trains Are a Great Way to Travel With Your Dog(s)